Customer Reviews

Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of Every Muslim

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Dr. Greear does a magnificent job of intertwining his academic study of church fathers, Christian theology, and Islamic theology, as well as his personal experiences living in a Muslim community in "Breaking the Islamic Code". The book is incredibly readable as JD uses common vernacular to explain deep and complex issues relating to what Muslims believe and how they can engage with the historical Jesus. Greear's stories and practical analogies help convey the similarities and differences in the two major monotheistic religions (Christianity and Islam) beyond the intellect. He shares key insights Christians should know as they engage with Muslims in topics such as Muslim felt needs, how the gospel can fulfill those needs and common misconceptions. Some highlights of the book I especially appreciated were the emphases of the bible and holy spirit in bringing people into his kingdom his approach of seeking transformation and renewal instead of "conversion". A novice or expert will find this book knowledgeable, enjoyable as well as challenging. A great read!

This is one of the best resources I have come across for learning how to share the gospel with our Muslim friends.

One problem I have found with similar books on Christianity and Islam is that they are far too academic in their approach, pointing out the logical fallacies of Islam. While this information can be useful sometimes, Greear reminds us in this book that "we are not trying to win arguments, but we are trying to win the person".

'Breaking the Islam Code' is easy to read and offers highly practical advice for having conversations with Muslims. It explains how to present the gospel of Jesus in terms that Muslims are more likely to comprehend. Ultimately it is not our own words or persuasive arguments, but the power of the gospel and the word of God that will transform the lives of our Muslim friends.

The author has a deep understanding of how Muslims think and the reasons why they object to the claims of Jesus. Greear offers great tips on how to get them reading the Bible with you and how to tackle issues such as the Trinity, the "blasphemy" of the cross and the deity of Jesus.

'Breaking the Islam Code' is an excellent resource, and encourages us to be like Paul, who was "not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).

JD's book is very easy to read and understand but it is very deep and informative. If you have any desire to understand the Islamic faith or minister to Muslims this is a book you need to read. I underlined something on virtually every page. It is both informative and inspirational. I am praying that I will be able to apply the truths very, very soon. I loved Timothy George's "Is the Father of Jesus the God of Mohammed" and I rate this book as highly. I am already looking forward to JD's next book.

In the midst of political conflict between Muslims and Christians, ordinary Christians wonder how best to share the gospel with Muslim friends and neighbors. What do we need to know? Where do we start? What are the minefields we should be aware of? We often feel ill-equipped to share the gospel in a way that makes sense to a Muslim.

J. D. Greear's book, Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of Every Muslim (Harvest House, 2010), is a terrific contribution to the growing collection of resources designed to increase our confidence in the gospel. J.D. pastors The Summit Church in North Carolina. Before arriving in his current place of service, he lived in a predominantly Muslim country for two years. His cross-cultural experience and his pastoral ministry uniquely qualify him to help us understand our Muslim friends, hear their concerns, and answer the questions of their hearts with the only message that satisfies: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The idea of answering the questions Muslims are asking stands at the heart of J.D.'s book. He writes:

"Most Christians explain the gospel in a way that (to use a cliché) `answers questions they have not been asking.' This book will help you see what questions Muslims are asking, and how the gospel provides a unique and satisfying answer to them." (15)

Of course, it is imperative that we not only answer the questions that non-Christians are asking, but that we also direct them to the questions they should be asking. J.D.'s method takes this truth into account. He does not change the gospel for a Muslim audience. Instead, he encourages us to see the questions Muslims are asking as an open door to begin engaging them effectively.

This book is a mix of helpful information and practical application. J.D. gives readers a quick overview of the religious beliefs of Muslims. He points out misconceptions Christians have regarding Muslims as well as misconceptions many Muslims have of Christians.

One of the flash points that J.D. tackles head on is the question of whether missionaries should use the Arabic term for God: Allah. J.D. says "yes," and I think he is right. After all, we face a similar problem in our secular society. The word "God" means different things to different people. Many wrongly associate the word "God" with the generic, nationalistic, deistic god of "God Bless America." Yet Christians in the U.S. continue to use the term "God" to speak of the Father-Son-Holy Spirit. So, just as we take the generic term "God" and fill it with the Triune content we see in Scripture, missionaries should be free to use the Arabic word for God (Allah) and fill that conception with the Christian understanding.

On another note, I like how J.D. simplifies the differences between Islam and Christianity. It all comes down to the need for righteousness. J.D. describes Islam as promoting the view of all man-made religions: our works make us acceptable to God. In contrast, the gospel begins with God's acceptance of us because of Jesus, a truth which then leads to good works. By simplifying the differences in this way, J.D. shows both how the gospel alone provides salvation.

The latter part of the book includes Christian responses to common Muslim objections. Readers already deep in discussions with Muslims are not going to find all the information they need in these talking points. But those of us who are just now initiating conversations with Muslims will benefit from knowing these objections ahead of time.

Overall, J.D.'s book is a terrific introduction to how to build relationships with Muslims, think through issues of Islamic-Christian relationships, and graciously share the gospel. The appendix helpfully lays out the boundary markers that should inform our understanding of contextualization.

Though Muslim-Christian tensions run high today, this book strikes a hopeful tone. J.D. expects a massive movement of Muslims toward Christianity, and he is doing his best to make that happen. As Christians, we can join him in prayer for God to do a mighty work in places where the gospel has not been embraced.

"Breaking the Islam Code is a wonderfully helpful book for anyone who wants to understand their Muslim neighbors and to communicate the gospel to them in a winsome and accurate manner. Dr. Greear uses his personal experience with Muslims to provide the reader keen insight into Islamic theology, as well as the common misunderstandings and objections that many Muslims have with the Christian message. His book is a needed addition to the ongoing conversation about the relationship between Islam and Christianity because it helps the reader to view Muslims as people for whom Jesus died, and for whom the Gospel is indeed the `pearl of great price.'"
--D. Scott Hildreth, Director, Lewis A. Drummond Center for Great Commission Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

As the title of this review suggests, this is THE best resource for anyone who might have a heart for reaching our Muslim friends. In a very conversational but thought provoking way J.D. speaks from personal experience about how we are to interact on a heart level with Muslims. Breaking the Islam Code avoids the overly-academic façade that we often see in books on the subject in order to help readers quickly apply each principle. This has become and will continue to be the first resource that I give to anyone interested in engaging Muslims.

1. What I liked...
In general, I'd agree with the positive reviews written about this book. It provides a comprehensive overview of Islam, while providing some ways to healthily respond and engage with our Muslim friends and neighbors. It really is a good introduction if you've not read anything on the subject before.

2. Some questions marks...
I wish I had read the back cover. In general, I like to read books by people who have considerable experience. The back cover says that J.D. 'lived and worked for two years among Muslims in Southeast Asia before studying Christian and Islamic theology.' While the book provides a good overview and is a good resource, I wish it had come from someone who had more experience.

I also think providing a critique for the C-5 and C-6 movements is not appropriate for a book like this. I realize I'm wading into church politics, but I found the critique of C5/C6 movements on the whole to be overly simplistic, especially when criticizing the Camel method. Greeson, who authored the book called The Camel Method, has been on the field in South East Asia for over 40 years doing evangelism and church planting with a considerable amount of success. I'm a practitioner in this field and I've found the Camel Method to be very helpful in starting conversations with my Muslim friends and I wouldn't consider myself someone who advocates C5 or C6 practices.